Herman M. Murphy, 73

LINCOLN - Herman M. Murphy of Lincoln died Friday, Aug. 17, 2007, at home. He was 73.

Mr. Murphy was born on May 16, 1934, in Pottsville, Pa., son of the late John and Molly (Gist) Murphy.

He devoted 20 years to the U.S. Air Force working in public relations and television and radio broadcasting.

During his military career, Mr. Murphy was awarded the National Defense Service Award, United Nations Service Award, Korean Service Award and the Air Force Longevity Award.

He retired as a master sergeant in 1973.

After his Air Force retirement, Mr. Murphy was employed with the American Geophysical Union in Washington and after moving to Delaware, he was employed for several years with Aetna in Dover.

Mr. Murphy"s favorite hobby was photography and anytime something special caught his eye, he would capture it on film.

He was an active member of the Lincoln United Methodist Church where he served on the church council.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, William Murphy; three brothers, John Murphy Jr., Charles Murphy and James Murphy; and two sisters, Juanita Murphy and Bessie Ortiz.

He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Vernice J. Murphy; two step-sons, Charles Agurs Jr. and Milton Agurs, both of Washington, D.C.; two stepdaughters, Tanya Agurs-Collins of Washington, D.C. and Charlene Agurs-Bailey of Bethel, Conn.; two sisters, Norma Robinson of Philadelphia and Mina Picarelli of Simi, Calif.; and 10 grandchildren.

Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Lincoln United Methodist Church, Second and Butler streets, Lincoln, where friends may call one hour prior to the service.

Burial with military honors will be held privately in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Instead of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, 92 Read"s Way, Suite 205, New Castle, DE 19720.

Arrangements made by Rogers Funeral Home, Milford.